Every pet owner loves his or her furry friend. And at the same time, they despise the outrageous veterinary fees. But did you know you can save some money when it comes to your pet care if you take into account some tips?
Well, inside this article you will discover money-saving tips every pet owner needs to know. Of course, having a pet around can be amazing and funny, as they offer unconditional love and loyalty. But it can be challenging because their care is quite expensive. Read on to discover how to keep your pet healthy and happy without going into financial distress.
How to save money on veterinary costs?
The first thing you can do to save some money for your pet care is to consider preventive medical plans. You spend a little money on a health care plan, which in turn will save you a lot of costs in case of emergencies. And this doesn’t refer to the yearly exam only. It can include several services, such as spaying or neutering. The American Veterinary Medical Association or AVMA offers a lot of useful information on this topic. Besides, several veterinary clinics provide affordable vaccination plans, which can save you a lot of money, too. Also, using heartworm medication or flea-and-tick treatments will act as a preventive method that won’t get you unnecessary veterinary bills.
Overall, a pet insurance policy can aid you with unexpected health problem costs. The golden rule is to opt for a plan that is based on the actual coverage it provides, and not on the premiums only. Also, keep in mind that there are several types of pet insurance plans, some of which reimburse only accident-related costs. Others are broader and can cover health problems or even hereditary conditions (such as a Labrador’s hip dysplasia). While some insurance plans can offer alternative treatments coverage. Thus, to avoid such unpleasant situations, you can use Pet Insurance Finder, which includes all important information about different pet insurance companies that are well-known all over the world and are very popular among pet owners.
Moreover, experts say that in some situations (depending on your pet’s breed and pre-existing conditions) it is not cost-effective to opt for a premium plan. For some pet owners, it might be better to create an emergency fund and save money monthly. Also, when there is the need, it is best to ask your vet about medication specificities, as there are several treatments with more cost-effective prices, and can save you a lot of unnecessary spending.
Focus on your pet’s health
Recently, several studies revealed that more than half of pets are overweight, and experience related health issues. These require expensive treatments, which is why experts recommend extra care and focus on your pet’s health. So, to keep your furry friend healthy, you should read the food labels. A healthy, nutritious pet meal should feature animal protein, like turkey or salmon, along with carbohydrates from legumes, like peas or carrots. Also, you should keep in mind that pet food labels usually are not accurate about the amount of food your pet should receive. Thus, before feeding your pet, you should carefully determine the right portion size.
And the best advice you can keep in mind is that buying a bigger package will save you a lot of expenses. It doesn’t matter if you own a small or a large pet. A bag of 30 pounds of food is more cost-effective than buying smaller packages. And don’t indulge in the enticing sales offers. Some foods can lead to digestive issues, which is best to follow your vet’s nutritional recommendations.
You can groom and pamper your pet for less
Did you know that opting for the services of a professional pet groomer can turn out to be as pricey as it is the case with an appointment for yourself? Still, it is best to do pet haircuts at a professional, as there are few amongst us who have the skills to groom a pet. But you can bathe your pet yourself using pet-friendly products. Or brush your pet daily to prolonged the time between grooming sessions. This will save you a lot of money, as the fur will be less prone to get tangled, and easier for the groomer to pamper it. And to save additional costs, you can always use a special clipper to trim your pet’s nails.
Usually, pets that reach their three years of age mark, start experiencing signs of dental problems. To address this issue, you can brush your pet’s teeth daily. A pet-specific toothbrush can save you additional costs for vast dental procedures. Lack of dental hygiene is the main cause of severe pet health problems, including heart infections.
Of course, if you don’t seem to manage the daily dental brush of your pet, you can try placing dental pads on your fingers to reach your pet’s teeth. Also, feed him or her some dental chews from now and then, as this can prevent plaque buildup.
Skip the pet hotels
If you are travelling and considering placing your furry friend at a pet hotel, you should reconsider it. Kennels are quite expensive, meaning that the lowest price you will get is $40 per night. So, choosing a pet-friendly accommodation for your trip might save you a lot of money. Of course, there will be additional cleaning fees, but some pet-friendly stays get you everything you might need for your pet, including pet beds and walking services.
